Ramanujan Fellowship at JNCASR – objectives, eligibility, dates, age limit, salary
- What is the Ramanujan Fellowship at JNCASR?
- Objectives of the Fellowship
- Eligibility Criteria & Financial Support
- How to Apply
- Selection Process
- Importance of the Ramanujan Fellowship at JNCASR
- FAQs
What is the Ramanujan Fellowship at JNCASR?
The Ramanujan Fellowship, offered by the Anusandhan National Research Foundation (ANRF) and endorsed under the Department of Science & Technology (DST), is a leading program established to attract the best Indian and Indian-origin scientists currently working abroad back to India. The program shows promise for researchers to develop independent research careers at Indian institutions and contribute towards the scientific ecosystem. The Jawaharlal Nehru Centre for Advanced Scientific Research (JNCASR) is among the leading multidisciplinary institutions in India and is also involved with the Ramanujan Fellowship. The fellows are provided access to state-of-the-art laboratories and R&D infrastructure and academic networks simultaneously, which makes JNCASR an attractive host institution for Ramanujan Fellows who aspire to lead world-class research in India.
Objectives of the Fellowship
- Talent Repatriation: Develop opportunities for Indian-origin scientists overseas to return and contribute to India’s research environment.
- Independent Research: Allow fellows to define their research agenda and take leadership in their field.
- Mentorship & Teaching: Have fellows co-mentor with Master’s and PhD students while adding value to academic programs.
- Innovation & Collaboration: Enhance India’s research and development capacity with high-quality research and collaborate internationally.
Eligibility Criteria & Financial Support
Eligibility
- Individuals from India or of Indian descent who are working abroad.
- Age: Less than 40 years at the time of application.
- Qualifications: PhD in Sciences, Engineering and/or Medical Sciences with demonstrated publications, and 2 years of post-doctoral research experience.
- Must not possess a permanent/contractual position in India.
- The institute hosting the candidate will not be the same institute where they received their PhD degree.
Financial Support
- Fellowship stipend: ₹1,35,000/month (consolidated and inclusive of HRA)*.
- Annual research grant: ₹7,00,000 to be used for consumables, travel and hiring research staff.
- Institutional overhead: ₹60,000/year for the host institution.
- Duration: 5 years (not extendable).
How to Apply at JNCASR
You can submit your application for the Ramanujan Fellowship anytime during the year. At JNCASR, you must apply through a suitable academic unit (e.g., Chemistry, Biology, Physics, Engineering).
To apply:
- Prepare a single PDF application document and email it to the unit concerned at JNCASR (e.g., chair_ncu@jncasr.ac.in for the New Chemistry Unit or any unit you approach).
- If the unit decides to endorse your application, it will be uploaded through the ANRF online portal for formal consideration and selection.
The application content includes:
- A CV including academic record and publication list.
- Fellowship application form or research programme proposal.
- A PDF of three publications of yours in which you describe the significance of your work for each.
- A teaching statement, which can include previously taught courses or new courses you have in mind.
- Three referees with full contact details.
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Please apply online at https://www.jncasr.ac.in/
Documents Required
- Comprehensive CV.
- Research program/fellowship proposal.
- PDFs of three significant publications with annotations.
- Teaching proposal.
- Referees’ contact details (minimum three).
- Any category or identity documents as requested by ANRF.
Selection Process
- Institutional Screening – JNCASR evaluates applications functionally, inviting shortlisted candidates for seminars and faculty interactions.
- Endorsement – JNCASR endorses strong candidates.
- National Review – Endorsed applications go to ANRF’s expert committees for review.
- Final Approval – An approval letter of appointment will be provided to selected fellows, and they must start employment within 6 months.
Importance of the Ramanujan Fellowship at JNCASR
The Ramanujan Fellowship is a flagship program designed for scientists interested in returning to India to establish independent research. Hosting at JNCASR offers extra benefits:
- Access to world-class facilities and interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Opportunity to supervise students and offer education to a lively community.
- Strong congruence with India’s research agenda whilst providing autonomy to explore new directions.
- A stepping-stone for faculty appointments and leadership in Indian science.
It is worth noting that in the New Chemistry Unit (NCU), current advertisements are focused on the addition of new ideas that either complement current chemistry research or bring a new skill set, and the fellows are also required to contribute to supervision and outreach with their independent research.
FAQs
1. Who is eligible to apply?
Ans. Scientists of Indian origin or nationality who are under the age of 40 years, who hold a PhD, and who have an excellent track record of publications and a minimum of two years postdoctoral experience abroad.
2. Will the fellowship guarantee a position in a faculty post?
Ans. No. The fellowship provides independent research funding, but JNCASR (or any other host institute) does not have any obligation to provide permanent employment.
3. Is the amount of the fellowship taxable?
Ans. Yes. The stipend is taxable as per Indian law.
4. Will I be able to transfer the fellowship to another institute?
Ans. Yes, under certain conditions, including the advance approval of the ANRF and a No Objection Certificate (NOC) from the institute of employment.
5. What is the duration of the fellowship?
Ans. 5 years, and completely non-extendable.
Conclusion
The Ramanujan Fellowship at JNCASR is one of India’s most ambitious and effective initiatives to attract some of the world’s most valuable talent back to India. With significant funding, independence in research, and the vigorous academic activity of JNCASR, the fellowship allows fellows to start an independent scientific career and contribute to the country’s science priorities.
For scientists thinking about returning to India after a post-doc, the program provides not only the resources but also an intellectual community to flourish. Whether working in the New Chemistry Unit or any of the other research units, the fellows have the opportunity not only to impact the future of science in India but also to start to build their legacy.
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